Arc’teryx Keibo Jacket Review

The Arc’teryx Men’s Keibo jacket is my favorite ski/snowboarding jacket this season. I honestly can’t find a better jacket than this and I am so stoked that I have the opportunity to rock this all winter long. I was super happy with my Arc’teryx Micon jacket (the Keibo’s more insulated big brother) from last season and used that as a benchmark for this year, but the Micon had a few drawbacks that the Keibo addresses and improves upon (for me). The Keibo is less insulated than the Micon for warmer days and the arm length is longer which is perfect for my ape length arms. I do still however recommend the Micon jacket for people who don’t want to layer much or just like added insulation. Your call.

The Keibo jacket is clearly an investment piece at $750 and not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. I know that this will instantly take it out of contention for most mortals, but if you can somehow get your hands on this jacket, you’ll have the best piece of outerwear this season. The incorporated 3-Layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric is lightweight, durable, breathable and waterproof, while the ideal amount of Coreloft insulation is utilized so that you don’t always need to rely on a mid-layer. This reduces bulk and extra pieces of gear which I find to be a huge advantage. The only negative thing that I can say about this jacket is that there are no wrist gaiters. I am a fiend for wrist gaiters, but can overlook them not being featured on the Keibo since everything else is perfect.

I absolutely love that Arc’teryx cuts their new freeride pieces longer, with a more contemporary relaxed fit. The articulated elbows and no-lift gusseted underarms create no lifting of the jacket or shortened sleeve length when you raise your arms (this is a major problem for most jackets) The Keibo’s cut also ensures that you get a full range of motion and that you won’t get any unexpected air drafts. Short, tight jackets are for old people who like to complain about being cold. I am absolutely amped on the styling of this jacket (it looks better than any other jacket I’ve seen this year), the fact that every material used is top of the line and that the performance is bar none. If you can swing the price, buy this jacket. Then, spring for the Sabre Full Bib pants and have the best kit ever.